Border security today faces increasingly complex physical and digital threats, such as hybrid threats and cybercrime. However, progress is hindered by a fragmented ecosystem where authorities, companies, and research institutions operate in isolation without a flexible pilot environment. This project addresses that need by launching a Living Lab testing environment, where border and cybersecurity solutions can be developed, tested, and evaluated in a real-life operating environment near the eastern border. By bringing together key stakeholders and creating a border security network and cluster, the project also promotes national and international cooperation, data sharing, and technology scalability. These actions enhance national security, support regional business activities, and attract new investments. The primary goal of the project is to develop digital border security and strengthen international competitiveness by launching the Living Lab pilot environment and fostering regional clustering as well as national and international network cooperation. Supporting Sub-Objectives: 1. Launching the Living Lab Testing Environment The goal is to create and operationalize a real-world testing environment based on insights gained in the Feasibility Study conducted under the previous AIKO project. In addition, the objective includes: - Organizing and initiating the operations of the Living Lab. - Securing 4 pilot customers for the testing environment during the project. - Identifying and committing key stakeholders to participate in building the pilot operations. - Developing a testing and pilot environment in line with the national drone strategy as part of the Living Lab. 2. Increasing Awareness and Attractiveness of the Living Lab The objective is to assemble a network of approximately 40 companies and organizations. These actors are already engaged in, or interested in, the defense and security sector and see new business opportunities within it. Additional aims include: - Promoting growth opportunities for participating companies both in Finland and internationally. - Enhancing the region’s attractiveness to draw new investments and companies into the network and cluster. - Strengthening cooperation across the Eastern Finland region. - Enhancing the understanding and competence of defense and security operations among companies in the network and cluster. - Supporting the internationalization of the Living Lab and its network and cluster, integrating them into European security innovation ecosystems. Project Implementation: Two Work Packages (WP): WP1: Launch of the Living Lab Pilot Environment - Action 1: Launching the newly established Living Lab. - Action 2: Organizing an international Living Lab testing event. WP2: Enhancing Awareness and Attractiveness of the Living Lab - Action 1: Assembling the network and cluster. - Action 2: Measures to attract new companies to the region. - Action 3: Communication and marketing.